Confident | Fred Weasley

Chapter 16 | Talk

Sarah hid in the Owlery, away from prying eyes and whispering students. She shuffled into a corner next to the owls in their cages. They hooted all the time and Sarah was beginning to regret coming here.

She had a good view through the Owlery window. It was a chilly, but sunny morning so the sky was a pale blue. The grass hills jumped over the horizon, wrapping around the forest like a warm blanket. In the distance, the black lake shimmered in the watery light. Steam rose into the air from Hagrid's hut, the smell of bacon wafting into the window of the Owlery.

Sarah realised how hungry she was, but she didn't dare go anywhere. She was already skiving lessons, if she got caught going to the kitchens, she'd get in trouble. Professor Snape probably realised that she was behind the 'Several Snape' prank, which didn't help her situation.

Maybe I overreacted, Sarah thought. She remembered the same feeling she had, nearly 10 years ago when her mother died. She sat and waited, watched carefully by social workers, for her father to come. She waited for him for hours, but no one came.

Sarah sighed, leaning her head against the wall behind her. She stared at the roof of the tower, where the owls were perched upon.

"Sarah!" A distant voice called. Sarah's head shot up, her heart jumping in her chest.

Where did that come from? Sarah panicked. She stood up, brushing the dust off the legs. She rushed to the window, scanning the landscape for the source of the voice.

No one was there.

Well, that was what Sarah thought.

The door to the Owlery burst open, revealing Fred. He was rosy-cheeked and breathless. He'd just run up the stairs.

"Fred? - " Sarah's heart jumped at the sight of him.

He walked up to her, his eyes determined. For a second, it was as if he wasn't going to stop and walk straight through her. His brown eyes met Sarah's blues and it left Sarah momentarily breathless. They were so close that Sarah could feel his minty breath fanning her face.

"I want you," Fred whispered. Sarah blinked, her hands finding Fred's.

"I want you too," She replied, admiring the freckles on Fred's nose. She swore she could've counted every single one.

Fred locked his lips with hers, his hands finding her waist and not letting go. Her arms wrapped around his neck, her hands tangling themselves into his hair. They pulled apart to breathe, their cheeks tinted bright red. They stared at each other, re-evaluating their feelings for each other.

"I - whoa - " Sarah began. Fred pulled her in again, holding her close.

"I'm sorry it took me so long to realise," Fred said, tucking a piece of black hair behind Sarah's ear.

"What about Angelina?" Sarah asked, trying to find something to do with her hands. It was hard considering she was so tightly wrapped in his arms.

"She told me to come here. She knew that I liked you. The girls, they all feel bad. They want to make amends,"

"I can't date my best friend's ex," Sarah replied, avoiding Fred's potent gaze.

"She said it's okay. You can talk the details over with her when you're ready. All I know is that I want to be with you," Fred spoke rapidly and Sarah could tell he meant it.

Sarah kissed him, hoping to put all her emotions into the kiss. She wanted him to understand her fear, her excitement and her joy.

"So, what now?" Sarah asked Fred, who ran a hand through his hair.